71
MollyGreen.com | Fall on the Homestead | Fall 2016
assignments. While it may be tempting
to constantly adjust the deadlines you set
for your child, a deadline from an outside
source can be more motivating since it is
not easily changed. As your child learns
time management, this proficiency not
only lightens your load, it reinforces an
important skill in your child’s life.

All of this happens because the courses
are taking place on a computer right
in your home. Generally, live classes
employ some type of web conferencing, which requires high-speed Internet
access. Computer system requirements
can vary for each course. Therefore,
parents should inquire about needed requirements before committing to a class.
Headphones with a microphone can be
helpful, but are not always needed. Of
course, you will want to make sure your
child is in a quiet place during class to
eliminate distractions.

Although online classroom formats can
differ, most will consist of some type of
whiteboard where the instructor provides visual content like demonstrations
and notes. These virtual classrooms
usually include a chat box, which allows
students to type communication for the
instructor and the rest of the students.
Some instructors choose to be seen
during class via webcam while others
are only heard. Usually, students are
also able to communicate verbally via
microphone.

Courses often include assigned work.
The work is then submitted to the instructor as a word-processed or scanned
document, uploaded or attached to an
email. Some instructors also prepare
assignments, quizzes, or tests that can be
completed on a special webpage. Most
instructors will provide a grade based on
the student’s work.

When choosing the best course for yourchild, investigate as thoroughly as youwould when making a decision about anyother aspect of your child’s well-being.Contact the class provider. Ask ques-tions. Seek reviews. Be sure you knowexactly what you are paying for whenyou enroll. What goals does the courseseek to meet? How does the instructorview homeschooling? Will the instructorbe available to answer questions outsideof class time? If so, how long will it taketo get a response? Also, be aware of anycurriculum or material you may needto purchase in addition to the coursetuition.

As with nearly anything in life, online education can have its problems. However,
if parents are aware and involved, these
issues can be overcome. Remember, just
because your child is taking an online
course and is under someone else’s
instruction, you should still be active in
your child’s education. You are the one
ultimately accountable for your
child.

In order to make the
course successful,
become familiar with
the class procedures,
schedule, and due
dates. Doing so will
enable you to hold
your child accountable and coach your
child as he or she
learns how to plan
and prioritize time. If
you or your child do not
understand something,
communicate with the
instructor. By being proactive,
you can ensure that your child’s
experience is successful.

Also, show an interest in what your child
is learning even though you are not
teaching the content. By doing so, you
will maintain a connection with your
child’s instruction in all areas of study.
Initiate conversation about the course
during dinnertime or as you travel in
the car. An added benefit is the built-in
review for your child, which will likewise
help you assess whether he or she is
learning the subject material.

Through online education, can the Internet be a hero? Well, it can provide weary
parents a way to meet the overwhelming
needs of their families. It can provide the
answer to that subject that seems too
intimidating to teach. It can promote
important life skills. So, through online
education, the Internet can indeed be a
homeschool family’s hero.

Ann Empfield is the homeschooling mother
of four children. As an Institute for Excellence in Writing certified instructor, she
provides online writing instruction through
her business, Write for Success. Course
information is available at http://writefor-
successtoday.com. Ann and her husband,
Jeff, reside in northeastern Pennsylvania.